COMEBACK: Former Cubs prospect Greenberg signs with Orioles

Adam Greenberg prepares for batting practice before a baseball game against the New York Mets in Miami, Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012. The Miami Marlins signed the former Chicago Cubs prospect to a one-day contract effective Oct. 2, and play him that day against the New York Mets. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Adam Greenberg may be getting a whole lot more at-bats in the near future.

The Guilford product has been signed to a minor-league deal with the Baltimore Orioles. He has not received an invitation to spring training.

"This is everything I've been asking for -- an opportunity," Greenberg said by phone on Thursday. "It's an opportunity to get on the field and legitimately show what I can do for the organization. Baltimore is a great team, they've got an amazing staff, with (manager) Buck Showalter. It's a hard-nosed ballplayer he looks for specifically, and that's the type of guy that I want to play for."

Greenberg, 31, was hit in the head by the first pitch he ever saw in the majors while with the Cubs in 2005 and never made it back to the big leagues until this October, when the Miami Marlins gave him a chance at one more at-bat. He struck out on three pitches to eventual National League Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, but it was still a heart-warming story.

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Greenberg said he spoke with the Marlins and Brewers about a possible minor-league deal, but the Orioles were "just a perfect fit." With no invite to spring training, he'll have to work his way up while playing with the minor leaguers at the start of spring training.

"Hopefully, I'll get in some big league games and show the big league staff what I can do," he said.

Greenberg's good news comes in the midst of family heartache. His sister-in-law (and wife's twin sister), Melissa Marottoli-Hogan, lost her five-year battle with cancer last week.

"It was a traumatic thing for all of us, my wife especially," he said. "It was a lot to deal with. Any bit of news that can bring a smile to the faces of my family is great."